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Cairo Holidays
If you are looking for a holiday that features one of the Seven Wonders of the World, famous UNESCO World heritage sites, plus deserts and mountainous landscapes, then Cairo might be just the place for you. In this Egyptian capital, you could immerse yourself in history and enjoy the city’s many mosques, museums and markets.
From Cairo you can experience some of the most famous and breath-taking landscapes on the planet. Simply take a Nile River cruise on a traditional sailboat and you can experience the sights of the city and its surrounds from the water. Or perhaps you’d like to venture into the Egyptian deserts, such as the White Desert National Park, and explore a desert that is littered with crystals? Contact Brightsun Travel about our luxury holidays to Cairo, so that you can discover all that this incredible city and its surrounding landscapes have to offer.
Map of Cairo
Steigenberger Tahrir hotel
2 Kasr Al Nile, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4272111, Egypt
Bed and Breakfast
3 Nights
From £869 per person
View Offer
Local Information & Travel Tips
Key Local Information
Language
The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
Currency
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it's good to carry some cash for small purchases.
Time Zone
Cairo operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
Electricity
The standard voltage is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Plug types C and F are commonly used.
Emergency Numbers
The general emergency number is 122 for police, 123 for medical emergencies, and 180 for fire.
Getting Around Cairo
Taxis are plentiful, but it's better to use Uber or Careem for more reliable pricing and safer rides. Cairo's metro system is efficient and inexpensive, covering key areas of the city. There’s also a bus or microbus service; these are cheap but can be crowded and confusing for non-locals.
Local Food & Dining
Don't miss out on traditional dishes like koshari, ful medames, taameya (Egyptian falafel), and shawarma that can be enjoyed at street food vendors (be cautious about food hygiene and stick to popular and busy vendors) and dining restaurants. Tipping is customary in restaurants (around 10%).
Health & Safety
Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and be wary of offers from strangers to guide you or take you to shops; they may demand money later and are a scam. Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Stay hydrated, especially in the summer heat.
Things to Do and See in Cairo
New Cairo City
New Cairo City, often referred to as New Cairo, is a modern and rapidly developing urban area located east of Cairo, designed to reduce the city’s congestion by providing a well-planned alternative with modern infrastructure and amenities, including stylish shopping malls.
Cairo Tower
The Cairo Tower is one of Cairo's most iconic landmarks, offering panoramic views of the city and the Nile River. The tower’s design is inspired by the lotus plant, a symbol of ancient Egypt.
Cairo Citadel
The Cairo Citadel, also known as the Citadel of Saladin, is a historic fortress that dominates the skyline of Cairo. It is one of the most significant and well-preserved Islamic architectural sites in Egypt.
Pyramids of Giza
When in Cairo, it would be criminal not to take a day trip to One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Pyramids of Giza, which include the Great Pyramid of Khufu - also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, plus the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the iconic Sphinx of Giza.
The Egyptian Museum
This iconic Cairo museum, situated at the corner of Tahrir Square is home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun and a vast array of mummies and statues.
Coptic Cairo
This historic area contains some significant Christian sites, including the ancient Hanging Church (Al-Muallaqa), the Coptic Museum, the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Islamic Cairo
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Islamic Cairo is filled with historic mosques, madrassas, and bazaars. Al-Azhar Mosque is a highlight; it’s one of the most historically and culturally significant mosques in the Islamic world.
Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Cairo's most famous market is a bustling area filled with shops selling everything from spices and perfumes to jewellery, traditional Egyptian crafts, and souvenirs. Enjoy haggling for discounts and enjoy a traditional coffee or tea at El Fishawi’s Café.
Cairo Citadel
This medieval Islamic fortification comprises several important buildings, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The stunning architecture of the Alabaster Mosque, the panoramic views of Cairo, and the historic military museums make the Cairo Citadel a must visit.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun
This is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Cairo, known for its unique architectural features like its spiral minaret, large courtyard, and beautiful arches and decorations.
Cairo Weather
Cairo has a desert climate with hot summers, mild winters, and very low annual rainfall. The city experiences significant temperature variations between day and night, and it generally enjoys sunny weather year-round.
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Cairo are mild and relatively cool. Daytime temperatures range from 14°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 8°C to 12°C. Rainfall is infrequent but can occur. It’s a pleasant time to visit Cairo with less humidity. Light layers, a jacket for cooler evenings, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Cairo is warm and dry, with temperatures rising steadily. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, with nighttime temperatures between 10°C to 20°C. Sandstorms, known as khamsin, can occur, particularly in April and May. Light clothing for daytime and a light jacket for cooler evenings are recommended, plus sunglasses and suncream.
Summer (June to August)
Cairo summers are extremely hot and dry, with very low humidity. Daytime temperatures can soar from 30°C to 40°C, while nighttime temperatures generally range from 20°C to 25°C. Rainfall is rare. Lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, suncream, and plenty of water is recommended to stay hydrated and protected from the hot sun.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn sees a gradual cooling of temperatures and reduced chances of sandstorms. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C, with nighttime temperatures between 15°C to 25°C. It’s generally a comfortable and pleasant time to visit. Light clothing for the daytime is recommended, with a sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings.
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